The book collection of the Main Library as a research and didactic workshop of Karol Estreicher, in the light of the manuscript of his lectures in bibliography at the Main School in Warsaw

Abstract

Karol Estreicher (1827-1908) – Polish historian of literature and theatre, bibliographer, librarian, founder and member of the Academy of Learning, a poet, director of the Jagiellonian Library for many years, author of the monumental work Polish Bibliography. This outstanding researcher worked also as a sub-librarian (i.e. deputy director) of the Main Library in Warsaw in the years 1862-1868. During this work he was also obliged to give lectures in bibliography, as optional for students of all faculties of the Main School in Warsaw. Manuscripts of these lectures are currently preserved in the Ossolineum Library, and include: history of writing, knowledge of manuscripts, history of printing, and general bibliography. The article discusses the role of the book collection of the Main School for Karol Estreicher’s teaching.